ANANTNAG: A Collaborative Awareness-cum-Training Programme on Grassland and Fodder Technologies for Sustainable Livestock Rearing in Temperate Regions was successfully organized at Fodder Seed Production Station (FSPS), Aru Pahalgam on 1st November 2025. The event was jointly organized by the ICAR-Indian Grassland and Fodder Research Institute (IGFRI), Regional Research Station, Srinagar, and the Department of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Kashmir, as part of the 64th Foundation Day commemoration of ICAR-IGFRI and the Janjatiya Gaurav Pakhwada initiative of Ministry of Tribal Affairs, Government of India.
The programme was inaugurated by Shri Altaf Kaloo, Hon’ble MLA Pahalgam, who graced the occasion as the Chief Guest. In his inaugural address, Shri Kaloo congratulated ICAR-IGFRI Regional Research Station, Srinagar, and the Department of Agriculture, Kashmir, for organizing this collaborative event aimed at promoting sustainable livestock rearing through grassland and fodder-based interventions in the temperate Himalayas. He emphasized the need for more such awareness and training programmes to benefit pastoral and tribal farming communities.
Shri Sartaj Ahmad, Director Agriculture Kashmir, highlighted the importance of quality fodder seed production for grassland development and bridging the gap between fodder demand and supply in the region.
Dr. Suheel Ahmad, Senior Scientist and Incharge, ICAR-IGFRI Regional Research Station, Srinagar, emphasized the pivotal role of grassland and forage-based technologies in achieving sustainable livestock production, particularly among resource-poor pastoral and tribal farmers.
Dr. Asif Mohd Iqbal, Senior Scientist, ICAR-IGFRI RRS Srinagar, elaborated on forage varietal development, evaluation, and germplasm characterization, while Dr. Nazim Hamid Mir, Scientist, provided a detailed account of the package of practices for temperate grasses and legumes aimed at enhancing the carrying capacity of Himalayan grasslands. Shri Suresh Khajuria, Agrostologist, stressed upon the need to strengthen fodder seed production systems for regional self-sufficiency.
The programme was moderated by Shri Khurshid Ahmad Gilkar, Incharge, Fodder Seed Production Station, Aru Pahalgam, who efficiently conducted the proceedings and facilitated the farmer–scientist interactions.
The event witnessed enthusiastic participation of over 130 pastoral farmers from Pahalgam and adjoining areas. As part of the programme, deworming medicines, calcium supplements, agricultural tools, and rooted slips of tall fescue and orchard grass were distributed among the participants. A grassland restoration demonstration was also conducted to showcase field-level technologies for improving degraded pastures.
The programme concluded with a vote of thanks and a collective resolve to strengthen farmer–scientist collaboration for promoting sustainable and resilient livestock-based livelihoods in the temperate regions of Jammu & Kashmir.
